Harborcreek Township Supervisor Dean Pepicello could make a run for Erie County executive in 2013.

Pepicello confirmed to the Erie Times-News that officials within the Erie County Republican Party have approached him about seeking the GOP nomination for county executive -- the job currently held by Democrat Barry Grossman -- in the May primary.

Grossman has said he plans to seek a second four-year term. He narrowly defeated underfunded and little-known Republican Mike Kerner in the 2009 municipal election, after upsetting the previous county executive, Democrat Mark DiVecchio, in that year's primary.

"Yes, in general, I've been approached," said Pepicello, 45, a former talk-radio host currently serving his second six-year term as a Harborcreek supervisor. "Not just about that office, but yes.

"I'm flattered that some people think I might be a good fit for that job," Pepicello said. "Right now I'm blessed to have a job I enjoy in a community I love."

Pepicello said he's "not even close" to making a decision.

But when asked if he is interested in a run for county executive, Pepicello said: "I would be a fool not to consider it. We've had growth and some success with economic development in Harborcreek. Do I think some of the things we've done can play on the county level? Absolutely."

Verel Salmon, chairman of the county Republican Party, said he has not talked to Pepicello directly about running for county executive. But Salmon -- who called Pepicello "a rising star" within the local GOP -- said he believes Pepicello could handle the job.

"He would be a fabulous government administrator," Salmon said. "I've talked to him before about moving up. He's well-respected, he has people skills and knows and understands administration and management and government."

Pepicello has pushed hard for economic development in Harborcreek. During his tenure, the township worked with owners of the Eastway Plaza on Buffalo Road to demolish much of the plaza to make room for a new Giant Eagle store.

The township also lured development to the long-vacant, dilapidated Harborcreek Mall property, which the township purchased in 2009 to control development at the 18.56-acre site. A New York company has built 120 apartments for senior citizens on the property.

Grossman, 66, said he and Pepicello are friends, and "Dean has told me Republicans are trying to get him to run."

Grossman said he does not worry about potential challengers.

"I go to work every day and do my job," he said. "The voters will tell me if they want me to be here another four years, and I'll abide by their decision."

Erie lawyer Roger Richards, a Republican who is heavily involved in local politics and community projects, acknowledged that he has tried to persuade Pepicello to run for county executive.

Richards is also chairman of the Erie County Convention Center Authority's Strategic Planning Committee, which has worked closely with county government on projects that include the $47 million renovation of the former Tullio Arena -- now known as Erie Insurance Arena.

Asked whether he is dissatisfied with Grossman's performance as county executive, Richards said: "It's not my style to talk about the negatives of one person, but we need a change in that position in my opinion.

"I'd rather talk about the positives of others," Richards said. "We need a leader who will engender a broad base of support, and Dean Pepicello has experience and a great track record as a supervisor."